PRESENTATION BY NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM AT ZONAL HEARINGS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE, 21ST OCTOBER, 2013

Terms of Reference 1:    Structure of the Dialogue Conference

We call for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) with no preconditions or limitations as to its mandate, powers and freedom of action in any form or manner. 

We consider the call for the establishment of a very vague and undefined National Dialogue/Conference as being half-hearted, and diversionary. We view it as inadequate and a potential waste of time and resources.  

We are aware that going by the provisions of our existing Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ethnic nationality is not recognized as a criterion for any political or democratic representation. Consequently, we demand that representation to the SNC should be on the basis of the provisions of the existing constitutional and other legal provisions currently in force in Nigeria. If however, it will serve the interests of all Nigerians better by adopting ethnic nationality as a category  and basis for representation to the SNC, we demand that such representation should be determined proportionate to the figures of the last national census (2006), as well as other existing demographics for constituency delimitations. 

Term of Reference 2: Legal Framework 

We note that the current constitution and other laws do not envisage the convocation and existence of SNC. Similarly, we aware that Fundamental structural changes to the polity, structure of the federation etc would of necessity require a constitutional readjustment. We therefore urge the National Assembly, as a matter of high priority, to effect all necessary amendments be made to the constitution to accord legitimacy for an SNC which we envisage. Specifically, we call upon the National and State Assemblies to, as a matter of utmost urgency, undertake steps to amend the constitution to recognize the convocation of an SNC with full executive and legislative powers.

To give effect to the convocation of an autonomous SNC we demand for current holders of executive and legislative offices at both federal and state levels to relinquish all such powers immediately upon the coming into effect of the amendment referred to above. The leadership of the 

SNC should be vested with the mandate to assume such powers. 

In particular, we demand that the amendment to the constitution should vest in the SNC all necessary powers to exercise all executive and legislative powers at all levels of the federal system while the SNC is in place.

The SNC should have the power to appoint its own leadership and to establish and designate any of its organs to exercise legislative powers. 

For the avoidance we recommend that the judiciary at all levels should continue to exercise its constitutionally-guaranteed role to adjudicate disputes, uphold the rule of law and interpret the amended constitution. This will ensure continuity and stability during the currency of the work of the SNC. We make this recommendation without prejudice to the outcome of the SNC which may recommend a restructuring of the judicial institution itself. 

Term of Reference 3: Other Matters. 

i.    The current federal structure should be amended to have a central government and six regions representing the current six geo-political zones as federating units. 

ii.    There should be a unicameral structure and a parliamentary system which should replace the current bicameral presidential system of government. 

The SNC should last for as long as it is necessary to complete its task.

Signed:

Barrister Solomon Dalung

For: Northern Elders Forum